Discount designers

Revel in designer accessories from Gucci handbags to Christian Louboutin shoes at Gabay's Outlet in Lower East Side (225 1st Avenue; 00 1 212 254 3180; gabaysoutlet.com). Marc Jacobs devotees on a budget can sidestep the SoHo flagship and earmark Marc by Marc Jacobs at 382 Bleecker Street at Perry (for women); men head to 403-5 Bleecker at W 11th. A fraction of the price of the London counterparts, these are spiced up with metrosexual accessories. The truly cash-strapped can stroll down Canal Street for on-trend 'It bag' knock-offs at paupers' prices.

Vintage

For super-stylish secondhand clothing, albeit at less-than-thrifty rates, try Resurrection (217 Mott Street between Prince and Spring; 00 1 212 625 1374; resurrectionvintage.com). For original Pucci prints this NoLita stalwart can't be beaten. If you want a more gratifying riffle, browse antique jewellery through to vintage vinyl at the new Brooklyn Flea (every Sunday at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, at Lafayette and Vanderbilt Avenue; brownstoner.com/brooklynflea).

Trainers

A former butcher's in the East Village, Dave's Quality Meat (7 East Third between Bowery and 2nd Avenue; 00 1 212 505 7551; davesqualitymeat.com) is the holy grail for latest-issue Nikes from $75. Pick up Converse sneakers for the same in dollars as you'd pay in pounds back home from one of the shops lining W Broadway just north of Houston. Or splash out on distressed-black John Varvatos Chuck Taylors for $100.

Electricals

Most come at a snip and will work in Britain care of a plug adaptor costing a few bucks rather than the anvil-like transformers of yesteryear. For camera and iPod equipment, bookmark B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio (420 Ninth Avenue between 33rd and 34th, closed Saturdays; 00 1 212 444 6615; bhphotovideo.com) - it's always a safe bet for value. Don't be tempted to buy an iPhone in the US - they're locked into AT&T contracts and won't work our side of the Atlantic.

Top tips for savvy shoppers

When to go

Find out who's discounting when by visiting nysale.com. Great sales on summer stock appear throughout July and August, and autumn/winter wear is cut for Columbus Day, the second weekend in October. Tuesday, 4 November, Election Day, sees further price cuts. The Friday after Thanksgiving is perfect for one-swoop Christmas shopping - but it's busy.

Order online in the us

If you know a NY resident, get deliveries sent to their work or home. It's usually fine to have parcels sent to your hotel, but do check. Worth the hassle? A sample price comparison: get Beck's 'Modern Guilt' on CD through Amazon.com for $9.99; at Amazon.co.uk you pay £8.98.

Luggage allowance

Most airlines allow two bags at around 23kg a piece. Be prudent and take almost-empty, cavernous cases plus a digital scale (£19.99 from lakeland.co.uk).

Shipping

First Luggage is a great service for overpackers: send a suitcase up to 30kg home from hotel for £159 (firstluggage.com).

But don't forget...

The duty-free limit on anything you bring back is just £145 - after that you'll have to pay tax. For more information visit hmrc.gov.uk.